A staggering £420,000 has been raised for young people with the most complex disabilities in the country thanks to a star-studded Manchester event. Strictly Seashell: A Night at the Musicals, hosted by TV’s Gethin Jones, took place at The Manchester Deansgate Hotel. The record-breaking amount raised from the event is all to support Stockport-based charity Seashell, which provides education and care for some of the most disabled children and young adults in the country.
Event Highlights
The event, now in its fifth year, paid homage to Strictly Come Dancing and saw eight dancers take to the stage in the hopes of bagging a ‘10’ from judges Dr Ranj, Dr Punam and Strictly professional Nadiya Bychkova. Host Gethin Jones said: “Every year I’m absolutely blown away by the generosity and kindness in the room. Yes, we have a great laugh with the Strictly theme and the dancers, who put themselves outside their comfort zone to raise money, they are brilliant. But we have raised a brilliant amount tonight – a record in the event’s history. That money changes lives. It truly transforms lives of children and young adults with complex disabilities. Seashell is amazing and it’s a real privilege to be a part of it.”
Winners and Performances
The overall winners of the night were Ed Yates and partner Vicki and Tom Wolski and his partner Hayley. Tom and Hayley danced a showdance to Show Me How You Burlesque from Burlesque while Ed and Vicki performed a waltz to Tale as Old as Time from Beauty and the Beast. The People’s Champion, as voted for by audience members, was Natasha Mason-McCarthy and her partner Chris, who danced a paso doble to Gimme Gimme Gimme from Mamma Mia. The other dancers, who were partnered with professionals from Cadman’s Dance Centre, were: John Illingworth, Sasha Makel, Rob Buckley, Harrison Broadley-Byrne and Laura Wolfe.
Fundraising Success
The incredible amount raised was made possible thanks to the dancers’ own fundraising efforts before the event, as well as ticket sales, event sponsors, an online silent auction and a live auction on the night. The 400-plus guests were also invited to give a special gift after seeing an emotive video about Seashell beneficiary Bailey. Bailey is an 11-year-old boy who attends Seashell’s CADS group – Children’s Activities and Disabled Sports. The club is run on Saturdays and during school holidays and offers activities such as yoga, sensory tennis, drumming, cycling and swimming to disabled children in the community.
CEO Statement
Seashell’s CEO Brandon Leigh said: “Bailey’s story really sums up what Seashell does – being a specialist provider we’re sometimes the only facility able to cater to the needs of these young people. We offer education, care and support to children and young adults with some of the most complex disabilities in the country. Although we receive statutory funding, this only meets the basic needs for our students and young people. Philanthropy and fundraising enable us to make the difference between meeting needs and unlocking potential. We need to raise £2m each year to support things like specialist therapies, assistive technology, staff development, enrichment, and family support. Which is why events like Strictly Seashell are vital so we can continue this work. I’d like to thank everyone who made this year’s event possible and raising such an incredible amount of money – a record-breaking total in the event’s history!”
The event was generously sponsored by Boodles Charitable Trust, Bloor Homes, Eric Wright Construction, Laltex, Franklyn and Managed Ink. To find out more about Seashell’s work and other events visit www.seashelltrust.org.uk.
